Stan Barnes l Ian Calkins Faith Willman Alice Lara

Ian Calkins

Ian Calkins is responsible for handling public affairs and media relations at Copper State Consulting Group. Calkins brings a broad depth of experience and ability to handle diverse political projects for our clients.

His particular strength is a keen ability to land in un-chartered areas and set up shop for clients. Establishing a presence for clients has included gaining a vast network of allies in Yuma County, managing intense public forums in Pinal County, lobbying Supervisors in Cochise County, organizing editorial board meetings in Mohave County and running a statewide ballot measure campaign, among other missions.

His work for clients has also gone beyond Arizona’s borders. Calkins worked on generating media attention in his home state of Colorado, worked to kill harmful legislation in New Mexico and dealt directly with the national media (including Wall Street Journal, New York Times, NPR and CNN) on various issues for clients.

Calkins previously served four years as the chief lobbyist for the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce where he was responsible for state and local political advocacy on general business issues, including tax and fiscal policy, regulatory reform and environmental law. He also ran the Chamber’s PAC, created a grassroots mobilization program and reported directly to the Board of Directors (APS, SRP, Qwest, Bank of America, Cox, etc.) on key political issues.

Prior to moving to Arizona, he worked in Washington, D.C. in various public policy and government affairs roles. While in D.C., he served as Legislative Director of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) educating state legislators in all 50 states on tax and fiscal issues; Director of State Relations for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) lobbying on behalf of the automotive aftermarket industry in all 50 states; and, Program Director for Consumer Alert (a free-enterprise policy group) interacting with Congress, the Washington Press Corps and special interest groups/trade associations.

Calkins holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Political Economy from Colorado College in Colorado Springs. He and his wife Nancy live in downtown Phoenix with their children Henry and Claire.